Just purchased 50d, now what?

Well I purchased a 50d today and I am missing a few items. It did not come with the cd's or the computer cable (luckily I have a ton of these) I have looked around the web and I am confused as to what software I need to download if any. Can someone please shed some light. I am using OS x lion currently. Also what photo editing software do you guys use? I am a complete noob as far as this goes, last time I shot a nice camera was a 35mm slr. I downloaded Lightroom 4 beta and my head is spinning ha ha. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

You don't really need any of the CDs...charge battery, insert memory card, go outside...shoot

You can use a freebie software called "GIMP" to edit (Google it)...you can download your pictures from your camera to your computer via a card reader (usually built in to computers, or go to Wal Mart and pick one up for 10 bucks)...that should get you started

don't try to jump into everything so fast. i'm assuming you know a bit about cameras? what lenses do you have? but for starters, i'll say just go out w/ whatever you have and shoot. i use LR3 on my mac and it's great.

Take advantage of the Adobe Lightroom 4 Beta.

Thats pretty much all you need if you have the USB cable to connect to your computer.

Devon.Stewart. wrote in post #13912879
Take advantage of the Adobe Lightroom 4 Beta.

Thats pretty much all you need if you have the USB cable to connect to your computer.

Even if you don't, you're good to go, just use a cardreader (built in or external)...I never use the USB cables that came with the cameras.

nikesupremedunk wrote in post #13912874
don't try to jump into everything so fast. i'm assuming you know a bit about cameras? what lenses do you have? but for starters, i'll say just go out w/ whatever you have and shoot. i use LR3 on my mac and it's great.

Yes, i know a fair amount about cameras, just need some refreshing. Only lens I have right now is a 18-55mm. I am looking to probably get a thrifty fifty for fun then I don't know what.

That's a great start...those two lenses should last you a while until you figure out what you're interested in photography and what gear you have to get to further pursue those interests.

you have a great gear in your hand, what are you waiting for? go and shoot shoot shoot shoot

great choice, i traded my 550D for the 50D, may not have video and may not be the best in ISO performance but FPS,weathersealing, Microadjustment is a big +! IMO..

Roush611 wrote in post #13912857
I have looked around the web and I am confused as to what software I need to download if any. Can someone please shed some light. I am using OS x lion currently.

None. Connect the camera to your Mac, then double-click on "Image Capture" in the Applications folder. If you're shooting JPEG, Preview can display the files; use Tools | Inspector to see the EXIF.

Caveat: if the previous owner set the "owner name" in the camera, you may need to install some software to change that and you might need to find an old computer to do that. The name will show up in the EXIF.

Digital Photo Pro that comes with new Canon cameras is free on their website. I'd recommend it for your 50D. It is limited as an image editor, but is a great RAW converter and Canon really has the noise reduction worked out.

Thank you for all the suggestions. I can't wait to get some spare time this weekend to go shoot!!

Marco2011 wrote in post #13912946
you have a great gear in your hand, what are you waiting for? go and shoot shoot shoot shoot

I second that.

There has been some issues brought up in this forum about Canon software compatibility issues, specifically with the Mac OS X Lion software and the Canon EOS Utility version 2.8.1. The two versions of the EOS utility after 2.8.1 may not work, and that may include what is on the Canon website. Full details are in the thread at https://photography-on-the.net …?t=1126197&high​light=lion.

Roush611 wrote in post #13912857
I have looked around the web and I am confused as to what software I need to download if any. Can someone please shed some light. I am using OS x lion currently. Also what photo editing software do you guys use?

iPhoto is good and it will fit most people needs.
Upgrade to either Lightroom or Aperture if need more.